Moms Help Displaced Kids with ‘Lost Stuffy Project’ After LA Wildfires

bringing Comfort Back: The Lost Stuffy Project

When wildfires ripped thru Southern California, displacing thousands of residents and leaving families shattered, a heartwarming initiative emerged to bring solace to those most affected: children.The Lost Stuffy Project,founded by sisters-in-law Randi and Jenny Jaffe,seeks to reunite displaced children with their cherished stuffed toys and blankets,offering a beacon of normalcy during an incredibly difficult time.

The Impact of Comfort Items

“I immediately thought of comfort items — loveys, stuffies, blankies,” Randi Jaffe said, reflecting on the devastation and wanting to help. “we know that comfort items are critical for children — from toddlers to young adults. When families are uprooted or facing trauma, there’s a sense of loss of control. Providing a familiar object can give kids back a small sense of agency.”

Spreading Hope and Gathering Support

The Lost Stuffy Project leverages the power of social media, platforms like Instagram have become vital in connecting with the public. Heartwarming stories of children separated from their beloved companions are shared, along with calls for volunteers to help locate replacements. Donations are also welcomed, ensuring the project can purchase new stuffed animals and blankets to comfort those in need.

National Recognition and a Wider Reach

The project’s mission struck a chord across the nation, gaining national recognition during the 2025 Grammy Awards. A special advertisement featuring the Jonas Brothers highlighted the Lost Stuffy Project, amplifying its message and bringing it to a wider audience.

Joining the Movement

There are countless ways to contribute to initiatives like the Lost Stuffy Project and support children impacted by disasters.

Donate: Financial contributions can help purchase new comfort items for displaced children.
Volunteer: assist with tasks such as collecting, sorting, and distributing stuffed animals and blankets.
Spread Awareness: Share information about the project on social media and within your community.
Organize Drives: Collect gently used stuffed animals and blankets from friends,family,and neighbors.

By working together, we can ensure that even in the face of adversity, children have access to the comfort and security they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

Bringing Comfort Back: The Power of Stuffed Animals in Disaster Relief

In the aftermath of a disaster, the need for comfort and normalcy is paramount, especially for children.The Lost Stuffy Project exemplifies how seemingly simple gestures can profoundly impact lives during these trying times.By replacing lost comfort items, the organization provides a sense of security and familiarity amidst chaos.

The importance of Comfort Items

“The thought came to me right away when I thought about how these children had lost everything,” explains Randi Jaffe, co-founder of The Lost Stuffy Project. “It was just a very gentle way to replace something precious that they’ve lost. Comfort items,whether it’s a stuffed animal,a blanket,or a special toy,can be incredibly powerful for young minds during traumatic experiences. It provides a sense of familiarity and security amidst chaos.”

Spreading Hope and Gathering support

The Lost Stuffy Project gained momentum quickly, propelled by heartwarming stories shared on social media platforms like Instagram. “We connect with families, hear their stories, and then mobilize volunteers to search for or buy replacements,” says Jaffe. “Thankfully, the response has been incredibly generous. People really understand the importance of these comfort items, and many have stepped up to help.”

National Recognition and Impact

The project garnered national attention during the 2025 Grammy Awards, featuring a poignant message from Grammy award-winning band, “The Jonas Brothers”. This exposure substantially broadened the reach of their initiative, impacting families across the country.

Taking Action: How You Can Help

“Every time there’s a disaster, the focus ofen shifts to the immediate needs – shelter, food, clothing. but the emotional well-being of children, especially, shouldn’t be overlooked. These small acts of kindness can make such a big difference,” emphasizes Jaffe.

Here are ways you can contribute to The Lost Stuffy Project:

• Donate: Consider donating a new or gently used stuffed animal or blanket.
• Volunteer: Help with tasks like collecting donations, finding replacements, or organizing distribution efforts.
• Spread the word: Share information about The Lost Stuffy Project on social media and with your network to raise awareness.

by working together, we can help bring comfort back to children facing the aftermath of disasters.

Bringing Comfort to Children After Disasters

Natural disasters can leave children feeling scared, confused, and displaced.Their world is turned upside down, and they lose familiar surroundings, loved ones, and sense of security. It’s crucial to remember that children are particularly vulnerable during these crises and require special care and support to cope with the trauma.

The Impact of Disasters on Children

The emotional toll of a disaster on a child can be profound. They may experience anxiety, nightmares, depression, and difficulty concentrating. These feelings can linger long after the initial crisis has subsided, impacting their overall well-being and progress.

Supporting Children in Need

While the immediate aftermath of a disaster requires emergency response, the long-term needs of children must not be overlooked. There are various ways individuals and organizations can contribute to their recovery and well-being:

• Donation: Financial contributions to reputable organizations working with disaster-affected children can provide essential resources for shelter, food, clothing, and psychological support.
• Volunteering: offering your time and skills to support relief efforts on the ground can make a tangible difference in the lives of children in need.
• Spread Awareness: Raising awareness about the specific needs of children in disaster zones through social media, community outreach, and conversations can mobilize support and resources.

“Even a small contribution can bring a little bit of comfort back to a child in need.”

Creating a More Resilient Future

Beyond immediate relief, it’s essential to invest in long-term strategies to build resilience and strengthen communities against future disasters. This includes promoting disaster preparedness education for children, supporting mental health services, and advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations.

Your Role in Making a Difference

Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on a child’s life after a disaster. By donating, volunteering, or raising awareness, you can contribute to their recovery and help them rebuild their futures.

How can readers get involved with The lost Stuffy Project or support similar initiatives helping children affected by disasters?

Bringing Comfort Back: An Interview with Randi Jaffe of The Lost Stuffy Project

After the devastating wildfires ripped through Southern California, displacing thousands and leaving families shattered, a heartwarming initiative emerged to bring solace to the most vulnerable — the children. The Lost Stuffy Project, founded by sisters-in-law Randi and Jenny Jaffe, seeks to reunite displaced children with their cherished stuffed toys and blankets, offering a beacon of normalcy during an incredibly arduous time.We spoke with co-founder Randi Jaffe about the project’s origins, its impact, and how anyone can contribute to helping children find comfort in the wake of disaster.

How did the idea for The Lost Stuffy Project come about?

“The thought came to me promptly when I thought about how thes children had lost everything,” explains Randi Jaffe. “It was just a very gentle way to replace something precious that thay’ve lost. Comfort items, whether it’s a stuffed animal, a blanket, or a special toy, can be incredibly powerful for children during traumatic experiences. It provides a sense of familiarity and security amidst chaos.”

What role do comfort items play in helping children cope with disaster?

“When families are uprooted or facing trauma, ther’s a sense of loss of control. Providing a familiar object can give kids back a small sense of agency. It’s a way to anchor them to something that feels safe and comforting during a very uncertain time.”

How has the project gained traction and support?

“We’ve seen the power of social media firsthand.Stories shared on platforms like Instagram really connect with people, and the response has been incredibly generous. People understand the importance of these comfort items, and many have stepped up to help. We connect with families, hear their stories, and then mobilize volunteers to search for or buy replacements.”

The project even received national attention during the 2025 Grammy Awards featuring a message from the Jonas Brothers. What kind of impact did that have?

” That exposure was truly amazing! It broadened our reach considerably and helped countless more families in need. To see such recognizable figures lending their voice to such an critically important cause was truly inspiring.”

what message do you hope to leave with our readers?

“Every time there’s a disaster, the focus often shifts to the immediate needs — shelter, food, clothing. But the emotional well-being of children shouldn’t be overlooked. These small acts of kindness can make such a big difference. Even donating a gently used stuffed animal or volunteering a few hours can bring a little bit of comfort back to a child in need.”

How can readers get involved with The Lost Stuffy Project or support similar initiatives helping children affected by disasters? share your ideas in the comments below!